Head of Secondary School

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Students have been engaged in all manner of events, activities and learning this week on the Senior Campus. From learning about Healthy Relationships with Dr Tessa Opie of InYourSkin, to engaging in a Reflect, Connect and Align Day, to completing NAPLAN catch-ups, to winning at Netball (or putting up a good fight, at the very least) – the students have been energetically pursuing their passions. Our Yr 10 students all passed their Reading and Numeracy Minimum Standards Test and we are confident that their Writing scores will also be high.

Yr 10 HSC and IB Senior Studies Pathway Information Forum and Subject Walk’n’Talk is being held next Wednesday 1 June. We strongly encourage all Yr 10 students and their parents/carers to attend.

• Cowper and Dumolo commences at 5.30pm
• Roseby and McDouall commences at 6.30pm

Expect to commit 1.5 hours listening to key voices and learning about the variety of subjects on offer at Redlands.

Further, the Sydney University and UAC Subject Selection Information Evening is to be held the following week on Monday 6 June from 6.00pm in Dunnet Hall. Light refreshment swill be served from 5.30pm.

Both evenings are aimed at students and parents and it is highly recommended that you attend these so that you may support your children in their academic pathways for Yrs 11 and 12.

Cross Country Success

Redlands won the Senior Girls Shield and the boys gained 3^rd place overall in the ISA Cross Country yesterday. Max Rawlinson, and Olivia Vigneault (Athletics and Cross Country Captains ) were so happy to be able to return from the event and present the Shield with Mr Walker! Apparently the students endured tough conditions but were victorious. Finn Gurney placed 2^nd in the 12s and Isaac Brooks finished 3^rd in the 16 years boys. There were lots of top 10 places and teams through to CIS! Below are some images of our Athletics and Cross Country participants.

Student Leader Messages

Over the past couple of weeks, our student leaders have spoken to all year groups at assembly. Not only has it been wonderful being able to bring cohorts and year groups together again for in-person assemblies, it’s brought a sense of normalcy that we all need right now. The Yr 12 student leaders being able to directly talk to, and engage, the younger year groups in-person is how it should be! Here is a short video of their message to students about wearing the correct uniform. Note the star appearance of the Redlands Rhino, who has also been attending assemblies, doing gate duty and visiting tutor periods. The Redlands Rhino is on her way to gaining a Prefect’s Award this year.

Uniform – Students Wear House Colours to the Swimming Carnival

Swimmers – Appropriate swimwear is to be worn in the pool. Goggles and swim caps are to be worn for races.

Dress – All students should dress in their house colours. At a minimum, students should wear an appropriate top in their House colour.

UAC Presentation

This presentation for Yr 12 and 11 students and parents was held in Redlands Hall on Wednesday evening. A representative from UAC provided a thorough and informative presentation about the university Admissions Centre, the ATAR, university applications and the various support mechanisms to assist tertiary entry. It was great to see so many Stage 6 students, from both the HSC and IB, present, with their parents. On Monday 6 June, a separate UAC presentation for Yr 10 students and their families will take place in Dunnet Hall. This presentation will cater to students engaged in the subject selection process and who are yet to embark on their Stage 6 studies. We strongly encourage all Yr 10 students and their parents to attend. Please click here to register.

Sage Advice from the Class of 2021

Last week, Yr 10 had the pleasure of hearing from three alumni and three Yr 12 students, as part of their journey towards Stage 6 subject selection. Dillon Hayford, 2021 Sports Captain, spoke wisely and encouragingly to the Class of 2024. I thought you might be interested in his advice, which students (and parents) in Yr 11 and 12, might also find valuable.

My name is Dillon, and some of you may remember me as your previous Sports Captain. I graduated in last year’s IB cohort and I am currently studying a double commerce/advanced studies degree at the University of Sydney.

I decided to study commerce as I felt it had a good balance between math and business, my two favourite subjects in Yr 11 and 12. However, studying at university is different to how you study subjects in high school. At high school you study all the disciplines of a particular subject. What’s really different about university is that you are able to choose the specific disciplines of a particular subject that appeal to you the most. Commerce felt like the right course for me as I was able to select majors in what were my two favourite topics in business studies in secondary school: marketing and innovation and entrepreneurship.

Advanced studies is the second element of my degree, where I will choose any topic of interest, whether it be media or computer science. I will take my advanced studies units in the last year of my degree. I chose advanced studies to explore something outside of the business world and to develop myself as a well-rounded individual.

I would never have thought in Yr 10 that I’d study commerce after school, as I am not motivated by areas of study such as finance and accounting. Whilst I am required to study core units that briefly cover these topics, the majority of my study is in the two disciplines that motivate me and give me purpose: marketing and entrepreneurship. It is important to understand this is how studying at university works. There is far more freedom in what you choose to study and from my experience, it is far more focused and tailored toward your specific interests.

I chose to study at the University of Sydney as it was close to home, has great sporting facilities, has awesome exchange programs and offered the course I was most interested in pursuing. Studying from home is always going to be a different experience from studying at college. I was always a party goer, so it came to a surprise to many of my friends I opted out of the college life experience. However, I felt studying at Sydney University provided the best opportunities for me to achieve my personal goals and offered a great social, work and academic balance.

The advice I would give to my Yr 10 self would be:

• To think critically about the subjects, you have enjoyed the past four years. The subjects you choose are what you will spend your time doing. Higher level subjects are not necessarily harder, but rather have an increased workload and require more hours. Hence, worry less about what will look appealing for universities or ‘scale well’, and more about how you can make your Yr 11 and 12 studies memorable, interesting and beneficial.
• I’d tell myself to think forward about where I want to be in the future and consider what gives me purpose. I would advise myself to invest my time in learning specific skills that will help me reach my goals. Whilst being a well-rounded individual is essential, it’s important to invest more of your time in subjects that will develop the skills and knowledge needed to achieve your goals.
• And there are no shortcuts! You are at the stage in life where you need to start holding yourself accountable. Actions truly have consequences, and hard work compounds. Choosing subjects because they are easy and comfortable only holds you back from your true potential. Look to seek discomfort and push yourself.

In Yr 10, 11 or 12, did you have a clear idea of what career you wanted to pursue?

No, I was unsure even once I graduated. It is not an easy decision to make, so don’t expect it to be clear. Don’t expect it to be set in stone – be open to change. It will become more and more clear and you invest more time into your studies and specific subjects in Yr 11 and 12 what you enjoy and are interested in.

What research did you do about your courses?

• Spoke to careers advisors
• Researched online -> definitely take the time to do this
• Spoke with current university students

Did your Stage 6 subject choices matter?

• Yes, they did matter. My subject choices helped me find my passions. I initially thought I’d be an engineer and I enjoyed maths, however my studies in physics helped me realise my interests lay elsewhere.
• To study commerce at Sydney University you need to have studied HSC Advanced Maths or IB SL AA Maths. A lot of my friend, stronger than me in maths, chose to study at a lower level because it was easier. Like I said in my last piece of advice, it’s important you hold yourself accountable and push yourself. Pick subjects that align with what you want to achieve, look to push yourself, as the hard work and skills you learn will always pay off.

Planning on travelling or studying overseas?

I wanted to study in the US but it was too expensive and I didn’t get a scholarship offer. I settled at USyd because of its exchange programs and plan on studying a semester or two abroad.

Ms Gemma Van de Peer
Head of Secondary School
gvandepeer@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9811